Start a Phragmapedium Forum Anyone???

[Donald]

I consider this forum to be the best on the internet, but you might also want to try The Slipper Orchid Forum The Slipper Orchid Forum. Lots of good info and it concentrates mainly on that species only.

[terryros]

1. Green Jungle contains all of the nutrients that plants need (it is complete) but the labeling requirements on fertilizers don't let you put in fractions or decimals for things. I have used it for a year and know how well things look at Orchids Limited where this is all they use. Jerry Fischer developed this fertilizer after years of field research. I like that it is liquid from a convenience standpoint. It is only for use with pure water sources (RO, distilled, rain). Yes, it is a little more expensive than some of the powdered MSU-type fertilizers.

2. The Slipper Orchid forum is a very active forum for those very interested in Paphs and Phrags. Lots of good advice and pictures. You can't live with just one forum - it doesn't take enough time!

[unhappykat]

Hi

The reason your fertilizer is formulated with 0 phosphorous is due to the environment in which most phragmipediums, in nature, are found. The majority of the species are found in calcerous high PH environments in which the natural level of Phosphorous are very low. For this reason plants in nature developed ways of extracting as much of the available phosphorous as they possibly could, but in cultivation they can become subject to root burn and leaf tip blackening ,as well as chlorosis and leaf drop, due to high amounts of phosphorous found in standard fertilizer mixtures, since the plants have lost or reduced their ability to regulate phosphorous uptake in their evolution. Phosphorous is an essential nutrient in production of flowers and roots but when given in excess of a plants needs it can cause PH imbalances and hinder the uptake of other vital nutrients, especially Iron which causes chlorotic symptoms that can often mask the overabundance of phosphorous.

Hope this helps.
-Edwin

Originally Posted by shakkai

Yes, we're lucky in that respect! Quite regular rain.

I can't exactly say why the formulation is what it is, but it was developed by a grower who specialises in Phrags, so I trust that they knew what they were doing. I've been using it for some time now, and my plants really respond well to it. As I said, most of my plants are quite sensitive to over fertilisation. That combined with the lower light intensities that we have here compared to a lot of places in the US means that my plants growing here probably can't utilise a lot of fertiliser, so increasing the amount would most likely do them more harm than good. So, this was the best choice for me for a number of reasons.

Maybe someone else can explain in detail why the zero P?

[shakkai]

Edwin and Terry, Thanks to you both very much! That does explain a lot. I know that the black leaf tips can sometimes be a problem for people growing Phrags, and now I understand better why that may be!

I will second what Terry says about Green Jungle 1) keeping the plants healthy and happy, and 2) being a lot more convenient, as it is in liquid form - no mixing!

As well as the Slipper Orchid Forum, you might want to check out SlipperTalk (Slippertalk Orchid Forum- The best slipper orchid forum for paph, phrag and other lady slipper orchid discussion! - Powered by vBulletin) as well. Really good atmosphere there, and lots of Phrag lovers!

[Valhill]

1. Thanks for this information about 0 P. I just received my big phrag collection in Nov and I have been using regular fertilizer for the past 3 months I hope I have not done too much damage.

2. Does anyone have recommendations on a good free standing RO system. My plant room does not have a water supply so I have to stretch a long hose or carry water into the room.

[blackorchid]

I had the wildest dream of a blood red lady slipper before and when I actually see one, I fall in love with it. That's why I love phrag. I love the long petal ones and the pink and purple ones also but the most important reason behind the love for phrag is their RED color! hmmmm....maybe I'm just talking to myself. so I decided to buy this.
Orchid Web: Phrag. Jason Fischer

[nenella]

I just bought my first Phrag Besseae (for the same reason! Fell in love with the Red colour!!!) last saturday and hopefully get it tomorrow.....:
Phragmipedium besseae - Orchidées de Großräschen
I'm off to joining the group! as I haven't grown these before!

[Phantasm]

Originally Posted by blackorchid

I had the wildest dream of a blood red lady slipper before and when I actually see one, I fall in love with it. That's why I love phrag. I love the long petal ones and the pink and purple ones also but the most important reason behind the love for phrag is their RED color! hmmmm....maybe I'm just talking to myself. so I decided to buy this.
Orchid Web: Phrag. Jason Fischer

You mean like this one:

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...php?photo=9886

I have received 5 AOS awards on this cross including 2 FCC's. The good ones are exceptional!

[nenella]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[quiltergal]

Exceptionally beautiful Phantasm! A very well deserved award.